. >>> president obama and mitt romney campaign in virginia today, their first debate next week. yesterday the candidates were in ohio going head-to-head on such issues like taxes and foreign trade. in an effort to attract working class voters. for romney it's a mission in ohio to make up ground on the president with time running out. susan mcginnis is in washington with more on this. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. ohio is considered a must-win for both candidates. they've been spending so much time that governor kasich joked they should start paying taxes in the state. it illustrates how important this handful of swing states are. president obama and mitt romney are following each other from one battleground state to another. on wednesday ohio was their target. >> you probably are aware that there's an election going on right now in ohio. >> i believe you're going to help me win ohio. >> reporter: today it's a quick flight to virginia. >> we're a compassionate people. >> reporter: on wednesday romney tried to convey a more empathetic candidate. >> we have people that a